Published: March 20, 2009 11:38 pm         

Mother taking daughter for chemo still critical following crash

A mother injured Wednesday in a collision on U.S. 81 while taking her daughter for a chemotherapy treatment remains in critical condition at an Oklahoma City hospital.

Shannon Lyn Lara, 26, of Hennessey, was southbound on U.S. 81 about a mile south of Kingfisher when her 2004 Jeep struck a semi making a left turn. Lara was pinned for about 30 minutes before she was taken to OU Medical Center by helicopter and admitted with head, arm and internal injuries.

In the Jeep at the time with Lara were her two daughters, Shaelyn Nicole Lara, 6; Karlee Ann Lara, 3; and baby sitter Heather Dawn Gritz, 16. The driver of the semi was uninjured.

A family member said Lara was taking Shaelyn to a chemotherapy treatment. It is the second time the girl has had cancer. Two years ago, Shaelyn lost a kidney to cancer, and she recently was diagnosed with cancer in her lungs.

According to an OU Medical Center spokeswoman, Lara remains in critical condition and Shaelyn has been released.

Lara’s cousin, Whitney Price, said the mother of two and hairdresser remains in ICU at the hospital and is unresponsive.

Price said a fund already had been in place to help the family with medical bills for Shaelyn. She said those funds also would be used to help with the most recent round of bills from the family’s latest hardship.

Donations can be made to Hennessey Ministerial Alliance, RE: The Lara Family, P.O. Box 724, Hennessey, OK 73742.